After three years, multiple drafts and dozens of neighborhood meetings, the city of New Orleans released the final draft of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Wednesday (July 23).

The proposed CZO tackles several key issues including landscaping and storm water management standards, new parking standards for historic and non-historic areas, new design controls and review processes to preserve neighborhood character, an emphasis on place-based zoning districts, and a focus on ensuring that enforcement of the CZO is "consistent, predictable, and understandable."

Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a statement that the final draft of the ordinance shows the city has made "great strides" since Hurricane Katrina.

"The CZO builds on this momentum by incorporating the vision, priorities, and goals that New Orleanians have been working toward since the storm," Landrieu said. "The CZO is a crucial step to implementing the City's Master Plan and creates a blueprint for development moving forward."

The City Planning Commission will hold hearings on the final draft Aug. 26 and Sept. 9. After the planning commission gives its approval the CZO draft goes to the City Council.

The final draft can be viewed here and copies will be available starting July 28 and the following public libraries: